This is a routine that I just can't seem to do daily. I know, I know it's not good. I get lazy from time to time. So hopefully making a blog about my skin care routine will not just benefit me, but others as well!
So in my first blog (not so long ago), I mentioned that I have oily skin. Well, I was wrong, partially. I actually have combination skin. I just noticed this the other night when I washed my face.
What is combination skin? It means that your skin is dry and oily on some parts of your face. In my case and I'm assuming others as well, have the oily portion around their "T-zone", which is the forehead, nose and chin. The dry portion of my skin (not so dry for me) would be on my cheeks. Usually throughout the day, your T-zone will get shiny.
To test if you have combination skin, wet your face, pat it dry and wait for maybe 30 minutes and see what happens. If your cheeks feel dry and your T-zone is smooth or gets oily, you have combination skin. Most women have this skin type.
I've been struggling many years fussing with different skin products that didn't help control the oily skin at the time. I didn't really know then how to care for my skin. Though I think now I have figured things out.
Here are the skin care products I use for my combination skin. I can only give estimated prices because I don't remember the exact.
Step 1: Remove eye makeup!
Do this especially before going to bed. I know this is hard to do when you're coming home late at night and you're so tired, you want to hit the sack! Don't do it! At least try not to. I know I will try to also!
Not doing so can cause early wrinkles and even worse, a bacterial infection on the eyelids such as a stye, which I've experienced! It's painful, annoying and not attractive at all...
Photo from Walgreens
$5 (I think. Target had a clearance sale!)
Use a cotton pad with eye makeup remover to wipe off the eye shadow. Use a cotton swab and dip it in the eye makeup remover for the stubborn eye liner. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Your eyelids should have a nice, smooth feeling.
Step 2: Cleanse.
This is important because it removes makeup, excess oil and dirt on the skin as well as dead skin resting on top. You'll feel awake, fresh and clean!
Try to stay away from cleansers with fragrances. It can irritate your skin.
Photo from Walmart
$8
Wet your face with warm water, never hot or cold! With your wet hands, apply one pump of the cleanser, rub together gently to get an even amount on both hands. Apply to the face in an outward, circular motion for about a minute. Don't forget to apply it also on the neck! Rinse and pat dry.
I like to apply this last when I'm showering so that my pores open up.
Step 3: Exfoliate!
Do not exfoliate daily! This should be done once a week, twice at the most! Exfoliating daily can cause early wrinkles and will dry out the skin, causing it to produce more oil.
It is good to exfoliate weekly to remove the dead layer of skin cells resting on top that is constantly regenerating itself. It will also help remove those annoying clogged pores, especially blackheads! Your face will feel smooth, refreshed and no longer will your skin look dull. It will look healthy and bright or as they say, "glowing."
Photo from Out.com
$4
Wet your face with warm water. Squeeze out a small amount, the length of a nickel on your wet hand. With the other hand still wet, take a small amount and gently apply in an outward circular motion to different areas of your face (cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and neck). Remember not to be so rough while exfoliating. The beads can harm your skin if you are too rough. Rinse and pat dry.
I like to do this step when I get out of the shower, again, so my pores are open.
Step 4: Tone.
Toners will help even out your skin tone and also keep oil under control for oily and combination skin.
I personally think the toner helps keep the oily T-zone under control. I don't use it daily, but every other day. With this toner I chose, I believe it does aid in minimizing the pores, just not instantly.
Photo from Walmart
$6
Apply a couple of dabs of toner onto a cotton pad. With a dry, clean face, in an upward motion, apply it to your T-zone or your whole face if you like. Do not press hard. Apply lightly and let it air dry.
Step 5: Moisturize!
Moisturizers help keep moisture in your skin from drying out. Choosing moisturizers with SPF will act as a protective layer from the harsh sun rays. It's good to get SPF 15 & up with UVA/UVB protection.
Photo from Drugstore.com
$9
Squeeze a dime size amount on the palm of one hand. With the other hand, take a small amount and apply in sections of the face (cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and neck). Once you have dabbed a small amount in sections, in an upward, circular motion, gently rub the moisturizer in. It is light weight and it feels like you are not wearing moisturizer. The scent of the SPF is not strong either.
I use this for day and night and it works well for me. I am considering finding a night cream or night moisturizer. If there are any recommendations, please mention below.
I hope this was helpful for not only those with combination skin, but for any skin type. This is a daily skin care routine to reach healthy and radiant skin.
Remember to remove eye makeup, cleanse, exfoliate weekly, tone (optional), and moisturize!Labels: Beauty
